BINI Maloi Opens Up About Her PCOS Diagnosis

In a recent episode of BINI World Tour Stories—an iWantTFC series documenting the girl group as they go through the in-betweens of their recent shows—Maloi Ricalde opens up about her diagnosis with PCOS, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Upon inspection by a doctor, the vocalist was revealed to have polycystic ovaries, a diagnosis she called her "greatest fear." In tears as she was consoled by her mother, she shared how she's always been wary of contracting the syndrome. "Sabi ko, mawala na cellphone ko, iPad ko, lahat ng mga material things ko, ’wag lang ako magka-PCOS. Ganun ’yung thinking ko," she admitted.

While she tries to remain optimistic, she acknowledged the sadness that comes with her condition. "Ang sad lang kasi as someone na nanggaling sa malaki at masayang pamilya, syempre nakikita ko na sarili ko na, ‘Ah, someday, ganito. Gusto ko rin ng ganito,' " she expressed.

"'Di naman ako napanghihinaan ng loob... optimistic ako... [pero] may lungkot din sa part ko and ’yun ’yung kailangan kong tanggapin, mas kailangan ko alagaan ’yung sarili ko."

Maloi advised the women around her to get themselves checked for the syndrome if they can, saying that, "'Yung mga ganitong procedures, may malaking impact siya sa life mo and makakatulong siya sa'yo and sa future mo."

The singer shared that PCOS has affected various things in her life, including her period schedule, weight, and mood. To alleviate the stress it brings, she leans on her fellow bandmates, who have proven to be a strong support system for her. "We take our health seriously," she says, sharing how all of them recently got vaccinated for cervical cancer as well. "Prevention is better than cure," Maloi declared.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common hormonal condition that affects women of reproductive age. As Maloi mentioned, it can directly cause hormonal imbalances, irregular menstruation periods, and cysts in the ovaries. According to the World Health Organization, it surfaces as one of the leading causes of infertility. Unfortunately, PCOS is a chronic condition and has no known cure.

WHO also states that six to 13 percent of women are affected by the syndrome, with 70 percent of cases being left undiagnosed. While symptoms vary from person to person, there are some things one can look out for, which include:

• heavy, long, intermittent, unpredictable, or absent periods

• acne or oily skin

• excessive hair on the face or body

• male-pattern baldness or hair thinning

• weight gain, especially around the belly

Women are advised to consult their primary care physician or gynecologist to verify their condition as soon as possible.